Septic systems can be fairly complex, especially for people who do not have a great deal of experience with pumping or plumbing. As a result, it’s not surprising that there are a fair amount of myths and misconceptions out there about the way septic systems are operated and maintained. We have collected a few of these most common myths so we can set the story straight once and for all.

Here are some of the most common septic system myths, as heard by our septic service in Modesto, CA:

If you use yeast, you don’t need to pump the tank: For some reason, people believe dumping yeast into a septic tank can prevent you from having to pump it. We’re not entirely sure how this misconception started, because the truth is that doing so could actually cause previously unseen issues to arise and make matters worse. This is true for commercial cleaners as well. If you add these chemicals to your system, you are creating a chemical imbalance that could cause more buildup and backup. Let the professionals handle your tank pumping, and don’t try to “cheat the system” to avoid a pumping altogether. It will only make things more expensive.

Flush the system if it’s failing: Piling on more water will likely be a major burden to a system that is not working as it should be, and could ultimately cause a major sewage backup disaster. Call a professional to identify the issue, rather than just trying to “flush it out.” You’ll spare yourself a great deal of frustration and potential damage by doing so.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it: Like many other types of equipment, septic tanks need to be regularly maintained to ensure they stay in good working order for years to come. In most cases, your septic system will not actually be broken. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still engage in regular inspections and perform minor maintenance tasks. This will help you to avoid significant problems down the line.

I never need to have my tank pumped: This simply isn’t true. Even if the tank doesn’t get very full, it’s still absolutely vital to have the tank regularly pumped. This can help you determine whether there are any issues with your system you wouldn’t otherwise discover. By catching these issues early on, you’ll save yourself a great deal of money and frustration later.

I don’t have to worry about replacing my system: Hopefully you won’t have to replace your septic tank any time soon. The average lifespan of a septic system is somewhere between 20 and 40 years, depending on a variety of factors. However, no septic system lasts forever, and you can only delay the inevitable for so long. At some point, it becomes more cost effective to entirely replace the system than to try to make expensive repairs.

For more accurate information about septic systems, or with questions about what Alvarado Pumping Septic Service can do for you, contact our septic service in Modesto, CA today.